November 19, 2019 – The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (BSO) announced today that Michael Kaiser of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management will help develop the Orchestra’s plan for the future.

“We are pleased to have an expert of the caliber of Michael Kaiser to work with us to develop a multi-year plan,” said BSO Board Chairman Barry Rosen.

BSO President and CEO Peter Kjome stated, “The year ahead will be pivotal for the BSO, and we are deeply grateful that generous supporters of the Orchestra have enabled us to engage Michael Kaiser. With the active involvement of stakeholders across the organization, our efforts working with Michael will result in a compelling plan that better integrates artistic vision and business strategies.”

“The musicians are very encouraged to have Michael Kaiser on board to help preserve the amazing orchestra that has been built here over the last 104 years,” said BSO Players Committee Chair Brian Prechtl. “Michael recognizes that compelling art is the key to helping arts organizations prosper.”

Kaiser was invited to speak at a recent legislative workgroup by longtime Maryland State Senator Ed Kasemeyer, who chairs the committee. “I am pleased that Michael Kaiser’s presentation has led the BSO to seek his help during this important time for the organization,” stated Kasemeyer.

“The Baltimore Symphony has long been one of the great arts institutions in the nation,” said Michael Kaiser. “It will be an honor to work with the Board, staff and musicians to chart a course that allows for consistent artistic accomplishment in the years ahead.”

Michael Kaiser served as President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., from 2001 through 2014. During his tenure, he expanded the educational and artistic programming, and oversaw a major renovation effort of most of the Center’s theaters.

Mr. Kaiser previously served as the Executive Director of the Royal Opera House, and during his tenure the organization’s accumulated deficit was eliminated and he increased its level of support from the private and public sectors. Prior to joining the Royal Opera House, Mr. Kaiser eliminated debt and increased revenue while developing new artistic programs and education initiatives as Executive Director of the American Ballet Theatre, Executive Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Foundation, and as General Manager of the Kansas City Ballet.

Mr. Kaiser is Chairman of the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland. The Institute offers consultation and implementation support for arts organizations, including strategic planning and organizational audits as well as developing implementation plans.